Back to School Safety Tips for Drivers and Students

Many Wheaton schools will begin the new school year today. As part of the Wheaton Police Department’s back to school safety plan, there will be an increased police presence at all schools to ensure everyone arrives to/from school safely and to enforce safe transportation practices around our schools. Below are tips to help make this a safe and successful school year.

Back-to-School Safety Tips:

• Ensure students know their address and phone number.
• Be aware of your surroundings. 
• Whenever possible, walk or bike with another person. 
• Stay in well-lit areas. 
• Limit the use of distracting devices. 
• Avoid engaging with or answering questions from strangers. 
• If something occurs that makes you feel unsafe, report it immediately to a trusted adult. 
• Parents and guardians are encouraged to role play possible situations with students and discuss personal safety and awareness tips. 

Driver Safety:

• Obey speed limits and school zones. 
• Avoid distracted driving. 
• Watch for students walking or on bikes. 
• Do not pass a stopped school bus. 
• Ensure everyone in a vehicle wears their seatbelt. 
• Adhere to the directions of crossing guards to ensure the safety of children and drivers.

For more helpful tips, please visit the City's website.

Student Art Competition Now Open for Festival of Cultures

The Wheaton Community Relations Commission invites students to submit original artwork to be showcased at the 2024 Festival of Cultures, which takes place on Sept. 15 at Memorial Park, 225 N. Karlskoga Ave. The Commission will select one art entry for the cover of the Festival of Cultures official program. The winning artist will receive a $50 Visa gift card. All entries will be displayed at the festival. 

Submission Guidelines:

• Deadline: Sept. 1.
• Submissions may be as large as 8x11 but will be sized to fit a 4x6 booklet. 
• Artwork should be portrait (vertically) oriented. 
• Artwork should be designed for standard 4-color printing.
• Please include the student’s name, year in school, and school name with submissions.
• Email submissions to andreamclayton@gmail.com.

The winner will be announced by Sept. 6. For more information about this year’s event, please visit the City’s website.

Summer Wine Walk to Take Place Aug. 22

Join the Downtown Wheaton Association for the Summer Wine Walk on Aug. 22 at 5 p.m. Soak up the sun this summer while enjoying 12 one-ounce wine tastes at participating downtown businesses. Enjoy live music throughout downtown as you stroll between businesses. In addition to tastings, participants take home a souvenir wine glass! For more information and tickets, visit the Downtown Wheaton Association's website.